Asthma is a common condition in which the airways of the lungs are very sensitive.
When the asthma sufferer is exposed to certain trigger factors, the muscles of the airways tighten up, the lining of the airways gets inflamed and swollen, and excess mucus is produced, all of which cause the air passage to narrow and which in turn causes difficulty in breathing and a reduced flow of air into and out of the lungs.
During an asthma episode, inflamed airways react to environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, or pollen. The airways narrow and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe.
Symptoms
Symptoms of asthma can include one or more of the following: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Symptoms are often worse early in the day (for example, early morning or just after waking).
Triggers
Triggers (things that set off an asthma attack or make a person's asthma worse) may include: inhaled allergens (for example, house dust mites, pollen, molds, animal hair); colds or influenza; exercise; cigarette smoke; certain chemicals/strong smells; certain medications; certain foods, food preservatives, flavorings and colorings; and emotion, stress or anxiety.
At present the cause of asthma is not known and there is no cure. However, with medication and lifestyle management, asthma can be managed and in many cases normal, active lives can be led.
Preventative Measures
Actually, there are no preventative treatments or immunization for asthma.
The best thing is for the asthma sufferer to avoid triggers. For example, avoid perfume, smoke, dust and fumes, which are well-known triggers.
Treatments for Asthma
The first treatment strategy is: avoid known triggers (basically anything that one can smell in the air).
The second treatment strategy is to take medications to reduce airway inflammation. These come in two types: (a) relievers; and (b) preventers.
These include oral corticosteroids, theophylline, and beta-2 agonists.
See your doctor for medical advice.
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